UN envoy voices concern over of Galkacyo conflict

The UN special envoy for Somalia Michael Keating has voiced concern over the ongoing deadly fighting in the central town of Galkacyo in central Somalia, where two regional forces are battling for weeks.

Michael Keating has warned rise of Al shabaab presence in the town due to the relentless conflict, and called on both warring sides to immediately end the bloodshed through peaceful manner and dialogue.

Continuing, Unites Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia Michael Keating said the international community is committed to support the peace efforts to ending Galkayo cries.

UN envoy and Somalia’s caretaker Somali premier Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke are expected to visit Galkacyo later this week, to assess the situation on the ground and seek way out for the renewed conflict between Galmudug and Puntland forces.

Failure to implement the ceasefire and find a peaceful solution to the crisis will not only cause further suffering for the population of Gaalkacyo, but will also escalate tensions that extremists could exploit.

Galkayo has been beset by frequent deadly battles which claimed lives of dozens of civilians. The majority of the city’s residents fled their houses because of the endless fighting.